AI-generatedBikepacking for beginners
Bike, bags, route: here’s how to start your first adventure on two wheels
AI-generatedBikepacking for beginners
Bike, bags, route: here’s how to start your first adventure on two wheels
Morning light on the tent, the chain softly clicks as you roll away, and that first sip of coffee tastes like freedom. Bikepacking combines cycling, camping and micro-adventures, and getting started is much easier than most people think. No sponsorship needed, no pro-level kit, no three weeks of holiday. One free weekend is enough.
What bikepacking really isContents
Think of it as the backpacking version of a cycling tour. Instead of heavy panniers on a rack, compact bags attach directly to the frame, saddle and handlebars. Your bike stays light, agile and capable off-road, perfect for gravel tracks, forest trails and quiet roads away from traffic. The difference from traditional cycle touring is less comfort, but far more freedom and flexibility.
Which bike is suitable for bikepacking?Contents
The good news first: almost any well-maintained bike will work. A gravel bike, mountain bike, touring bike or road bike with slightly wider tyres all fit the bill. Its condition matters more than its price. The gears and brakes need to work properly, and the tyres should be puncture-resistant. If you are unsure, have a professional at a bike shop check it over first.
The three bags that change everythingContents
Saddle bag
Rear
Frame bag
Centre
Handlebar bag
Front
AI-generatedMany beginners put together their first setup using dry bags and straps they already have. It works surprisingly well and costs next to nothing. Dedicated bikepacking bags are worth it once you know the hobby is here to stay. A complete bag set costs between €150 and €350.
What you really need to take – and what you don'tContents
The golden rule is: as little as possible, as much as necessary. Experienced bikepackers manage with 6 to 9 kilograms of luggage, excluding water and food. That may not sound like much, but it covers all the essentials. The key is leaving things out consistently and choosing gear that serves more than one purpose.
| Category | What to pack | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bike & tools | Multitool, mini pump, 2 spare inner tubes, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, chain oil, cable ties | 500–800 g |
| Sleeping | Lightweight tent or bivvy bag, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, head torch | 1,500–2,500 g |
| Clothing | Cycling jersey, cycling shorts, waterproof jacket, insulating layer, Buff, gloves, dry socks | 800–1,200 g |
| Food | Water bottles, bars, nuts, optional: stove, pot and spork | 300–600 g |
| Personal items | ID, cash, first-aid kit, sun cream, mini toiletry kit | 200–400 g |
Route planning: start small, dream bigContents
- 1
Choose your route
Choose a route close to home: 70 to 90 kilometres, gently rolling, with a campsite or trekking pitch halfway along. Take a different route back the next day to keep things interesting.
- 2
Plan realistic stages
With luggage and climbs, 60 to 80 kilometres a day is ideal to start with. In most cases, that's less than a typical Sunday ride – and that's perfectly fine.
- 3
Plan your supplies
Don’t just mark elevation gain and viewpoints: where can you find water? Where is there a supermarket or bakery? Where is there an emergency shelter in bad weather? Plan these stops in deliberately.
- 4
Prepare your navigation
Use apps such as Komoot or Outdooractive with offline maps and download GPX tracks in advance. In remote areas, take a printed map as well – batteries always die at the worst possible moment.
AI-generatedPack like a proContents
How you pack determines whether your bike still handles properly. Heavy items belong low and centrally positioned – in the frame bag, close to the bottom bracket. Frequently needed items such as a rain jacket, snacks or your phone go in the top tube or handlebar bag, where they are within easy reach without having to stop.
Food and energy on the roadContents
Bikepacking burns a lot of calories, and it is hard to recover from an energy dip on the trail. Rule of thumb: have a bar, a handful of nuts or a sandwich every 60 to 90 minutes. Refill your water regularly and allow plenty in hot regions. In the evening, choose either a simple one-pot meal on the stove or a stop at the next village – it comes down to style and your weight budget.
Strengths
- Pure freedom: stop wherever you like – no hotel booked, no time pressure
- Low entry cost: your existing bike and a few bags are enough
- An immersive experience of nature away from the main roads
- A full-body workout with panoramic views instead of treadmill boredom
Weaknesses
- Less comfort: no bed, limited changes of clothes, and sometimes cold and wet
- Potential for breakdowns: a puncture in the woods is more frustrating than one in town
- Takes some getting used to: the first kilometres on a loaded bike can feel wobbly
Safety and the right mindsetContents
A helmet, good lights and reflectors are essential, not optional. Every frame bag should contain a small first-aid kit: plasters, blister plasters and painkillers. Never leave your bike completely unsecured overnight; a lightweight lock is enough for short stops.
-0%
-0%
-0%
-0%Bikepacking is right for you if ...
Ideal for
You enjoy being outdoors, fancy an adventure and do not mind less luxury. If you would rather sit by a campfire in the evening than in a hotel restaurant, this is exactly for you.
Not ideal for
If you do not want to go without a made bed, dry clothes and a daily shower, a classic cycling holiday or hut-to-hut tour may suit you better – and that is completely fine.
AI-generatedConclusion: just get ridingContents
Bikepacking takes less preparation than most people think. A road-ready bike, three bags and a weekend route close to home are all you need to get started. Pack what you have, pick a nearby destination and simply get riding. The best gear is no use if it only sits in the cellar.
Ready for your first bikepacking adventure?
From bike bags and lightweight tents to rain jackets, SportFits has the gear you need to start bikepacking.
